Identification, vectoring & termination of surveillance service

Identification (RAC 1.5.2): ATC identifies the aircraft before offering the service, by:

• Position report
• Identifying turn
• Transponder

Phrases (RAC 1.5.2):

• Identification does not relieve pilot of collision avoidance or terrain/obstacle clearance (RAC 1.5.2).
• Observed-target information to identified IFR/CVFR flights is additional only; pilot keeps lookout and clearance duties.

ATC vectors (assigns headings) for:

• Separation from other traffic
• Noise abatement procedures
• Pilot's request
• Operational advantage to pilot or controller

Vector rules:

• Pilot told where vector takes the aircraft (RAC 1.5.3).
• Fly heading directly off compass or heading indicator, no calculating (TP 1102, Radio Communication: Vectors).

Vector end (RAC 1.5.2):

• Normally: "RESUME NORMAL NAVIGATION."
• Exception: vectored to final approach course or traffic circuit. No separate call; approach clearance means normal navigation resumed.

Minimum vectoring altitudes (RAC 1.5.5(a)):

• Set at some locations.
• Lowest altitude ATC may vector at meeting obstacle clearance criteria.
• May be lower than minimum altitudes on navigation and approach charts.

Obstacle/terrain clearance while vectored:

ATS surveillance service normally continues until the aircraft:

• Leaves surveillance coverage area
• Enters uncontrolled airspace
• Is transferred to a unit not equipped with ATS surveillance

Pilot then told "ATS SURVEILLANCE SERVICE TERMINATED" (RAC 1.5.2). Class C: pilot informed when it terminates, except when transferred to a tower (RAC 5.8(b)(vii)).

Trap: "RESUME NORMAL NAVIGATION" ends one vector, not the service; identified or vectored does not hand terrain clearance to ATC (only en route IFR/CVFR and IFR arrivals; VFR pilot always keeps it).

Practice